Finish the Dream- God's Amazing World

Here is a unique approach to a bedtime routine: Instead of simply reading your child a bedtime story, why not introduce them to a dream-like landscape, explore that setting with them, then ask them to close their eyes and continue to drift along in the word-painted world? That’s what Sandra and Herb Reiersen set out to do in their book Finish the Dream- God's Amazing World.

Using vocabulary rich in imagery, Reiersen offers five dream scenarios: an icy tundra, a tranquil underwater paradise, a tour through the galaxy, sailing across the sea, and a cloud’s eye view of a home town. There is a certain meditative, almost hypnotic quality to each story. The authors start each adventure with a Scripture verse from Job and the words, “Close your eyes, my little dream traveler“ and use a cloud to transport the dream traveler to the different places. The words seem to be selected to soothe the spirit and lull the reader into sleep. Meanwhile, illustrator Jillian Britz uses digital art to create simple, colorful images. Each story ends with a reminder that we are surrounded by God’s love and the words, “Now, sweet dreamer, where will you go as you finish the dream?”

What I Like: I like the idea of a story that encourages creative thinking in children. The words also have a calming effect on the reader.

What I Dislike:: Overall I enjoyed the pictures and thought they worked well with the text. However, the underwater fish seemed out of place to me. Instead of blending into the realistic and peaceful quality of the rest of the book, these looked quite cartoonish to the point that they jolted me away from the lullaby of the text.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: No age is sited. I would estimate this book appealing to the Kindergarten and first grade audience. It may work for some preschoolers as well, depending on their maturity level.

Publisher Info: Beaver's Pond Press, 2012; ISBN: 978-1592985074; Hardback, 48 pgs., $17.95

This book is not available at Christianbook.com.
Buy it at Amazon.com for $14.00.